1 Timothy 1:3

As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

As {G2531} I besought {G3870} thee {G4571} to abide still {G4357} at {G1722} Ephesus {G2181}, when I went {G4198} into {G1519} Macedonia {G3109}, that {G2443} thou mightest charge {G3853} some {G5100} that they teach {G2085} no {G3361} other doctrine {G2085},

As I counseled you when I was leaving for Macedonia, stay on in Ephesus, so that you may order certain people who are teaching a different doctrine to stop.

As I urged you on my departure to Macedonia, you should stay on at Ephesus to instruct certain men not to teach false doctrines

As I exhorted thee to tarry at Ephesus, when I was going into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge certain men not to teach a different doctrine,

Commentary

This verse opens Paul’s first letter to Timothy, a crucial pastoral epistle providing guidance for church leadership and order. Paul reminds Timothy of the specific instruction he gave him upon departing Ephesus for Macedonia: to remain in Ephesus and confront those who were teaching doctrines contrary to the apostolic truth.

Context

The city of Ephesus was a significant center in the Roman world, known for its temple of Artemis (Diana) and a blend of philosophical and religious influences. The church in Ephesus was established and nurtured by Paul himself (Acts 19:1-10), but even during his farewell to the Ephesian elders, he warned them about the future emergence of "grievous wolves" who would not spare the flock (Acts 20:29-30). Timothy, as Paul’s trusted protégé, was left in Ephesus to manage the church and specifically to address these emerging issues of false teaching. This letter, therefore, serves as Paul's authoritative instruction to his younger colleague on how to maintain the purity of the gospel in a challenging environment.

Key Themes

  • Combating False Doctrine: The central command in this verse is the prohibition against teaching "other doctrine." This highlights Paul's paramount concern for the integrity of the gospel message. False teachings were a persistent threat to early Christian communities, leading to confusion, division, and spiritual harm.
  • Pastoral Responsibility: Timothy's role as a church leader is underscored. He is not merely to observe but to actively "charge some" to cease their erroneous teaching. This demonstrates the active, authoritative, and protective nature of pastoral ministry in safeguarding the flock from spiritual danger.
  • Importance of Sound Doctrine: By contrasting "other doctrine" with what is implied as true teaching, Paul emphasizes the foundational importance of adhering to "sound doctrine" (as mentioned in Titus 2:1 and elsewhere). The health and spiritual growth of the church depend on its commitment to biblical truth.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "other doctrine" translates from the Greek word heterodidaskalia (ἑτεροδιδασκαλία). This compound word means "a different teaching" or "teaching of another kind." It's not just about minor variations, but a departure from the core, apostolic teaching. This indicates that the false teachings were not merely different in style or emphasis, but fundamentally divergent from the true gospel Paul and the apostles preached.

Practical Application

This verse remains profoundly relevant for the church today. It serves as a timeless reminder of:

  • The Need for Discernment: Believers are called to be discerning, testing all teachings against the standard of Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
  • The Role of Leadership: Church leaders bear the solemn responsibility to protect the congregation from false teachers and to faithfully uphold and proclaim God's Word.
  • The Value of Truth: In an age of diverse and often conflicting messages, this verse calls believers back to the unchanging truth of the gospel as the foundation for faith and life.

Paul's charge to Timothy is a foundational principle for maintaining the purity and vitality of the Christian faith across generations.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Galatians 1:6

    ¶ I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

  • Galatians 1:7

    Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

  • 1 Timothy 6:3

    If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

  • 2 John 1:9

    Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

  • 2 John 1:10

    ¶ If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into [your] house, neither bid him God speed:

  • Titus 1:9

    Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

  • Titus 1:11

    Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
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